Bass Lake
Bolinas, California
| GPS: |
37°57'6.3"N 122°45'55.1"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | California |
| Trails/Routes: | 0.1 mi |
Hike and Swim
Bass Lake is a beloved hike-in swimming hole in Point Reyes National Seashore, tucked into the coastal hills above the Pacific near Bolinas, California. A small, tree-rimmed freshwater lake reached on foot through the Phillip Burton Wilderness, it's a classic Bay Area summer outing — complete with a rope swing, sunny banks for picnicking, and gorgeous coastal scenery along the way.
Getting there is a scenic coastal hike. From the Palomarin Trailhead at the end of Mesa Road outside Bolinas, the Coast Trail rolls about 2.5 to 3 miles through woods and open, ocean-view bluffs to the lake — a fairly easy and very rewarding walk, with the blue Pacific in view much of the way.
At the lake, a rope swing over the water is the star attraction, and the cool, calm water is perfect for a refreshing swim on a warm day. A few important notes: this is an unofficial swimming spot with no lifeguards, so swim at your own risk; poison oak grows thick around the lakeshore, so watch where you step; and dogs are not allowed on the Coast Trail or at Bass Lake. The small Palomarin parking lot also fills very early on weekends and summer days, so arrive early or you may be turned away.
Late spring through early fall is the prime season, when the weather is warm and the water inviting. Bring plenty of water, sun protection, sturdy shoes, and a picnic, learn to spot poison oak, and pack out everything you bring. For a perfect blend of coastal hiking and a refreshing swim, Bass Lake is one of Point Reyes' most cherished destinations.
More Information
Bass Lake (Point Reyes) - Hiking Autism
Bass Lake CA Tourist Guide | Basslakeca.com * COME AND PLAY ALL DAY AT BASS LAKE! Get your family fun and a lifetime of memories. QUESTIONS? Click for everything you need to know . . .
https://www.hikingautism.com/bass-lake.htmlBass Lake, Bolinas - Hiking Project
It’s no wonder Sunset Magazine named Bass Lake as one of “The West’s Best Lakes”. Bass Lake is renowned for excellent fishing, hiking trails, and warm waters. It has three
https://www.hikingproject.com/gem/81/bass-lakePalomarin Trail (to Bass Lake) - Point Reyes Nature
Some think of Bass Lake, the pine-trimmed reservoir about a half-hour’s drive south of Yosemite National Park’s south entrance, as a smaller version of Lake Tahoe. But the little lake with the big alpine feel has an appealing difference from its high-country cousin: Bass Lake’s elevation is only 3,400 feet, so its surface waters become blissfully warm in summer, hovering around 75 degrees.Fun on the water at Bass LakeThanks to its pleasantly warm summer waters, Bass Lake invites all kinds of aquatic adventure. The nearly 5-mile-long lake is a popular destination for water skiing, wakeboarding, and wave runners, it also has sheltered coves for swimming and for sailing, as well as kayaking and pedal boating (boat and gear rentals are available). Bring or rent fishing gear or hire a local guide to snag bass, rainbow trout, Kokanee salmon, and more (a California fishing license is required for ages 16 and above).Hiking at Bass LakeDozens of trails lead into the surrounding Sierra National Forest, so there’s plenty to explore by foot or mountain bike. Start with the Way of the Mono Trail, named for the Mono people who inhabited the area for millennia. The short (0.6-mile) loop takes you to the top of a rock with great views, with a few chances to try some bouldering if you are up for it. Or get more of a workout on the way to your view on the challenging 5-mile up-and-back hike to Goat Mountain Fire Lookout. Another rewarding, moderately difficult hike is the three-mile Willow Creek Trail, which takes you to Angel Falls and offers plenty of opportunities to go swimming.Off-roading at Bass LakeFans of off-roading will love exploring this scenic stretch of the High Sierra: Rent an ATV, RZR, or Jeep for a self-guided tour, or book a private Jeep tour with a guide through Yosemite Adventure Co. Visiting in winter? Snow Track Tours are available as well. Self-powered off-roaders can rent bikes from Pedal Forward in nearby Oakhurst, and fat-tire electric bikes are available at Bass Lake Boat Rentals and Pedego Electric Bikes Bass Lake.Where to stay at Bass LakeFor a comfortable overnight stay, consider The Pines Resort, with lakefront rooms and roomy chalets. Two old-school resorts, The Forks and Miller’s Landing Resort, have more of a retro-summer-camp feel. Even if you don’t stay the night, take part in the time-honored tradition of relaxing on the The Forks’ lakeside deck and ordering a classic Forks Burger and shake. Or pitch a tent—seven busy U.S. Forest Service campgrounds around here have civilized touches, like nearby showers and grocery stores; advance reservations are strongly advised. The 4th of July holiday is especially busy, with impressive fireworks over the lake.
https://www.pointreyesnature.com/palomarin-trailswimmingholes.org: CALIFORNIA SWIMMING HOLES
THE web site for beautiful, natural places for a cool dip or hot soak.
https://www.swimmingholes.org/ca.htmlBe courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Bolinas, California
- Head west on Wharf Rd toward Brighton Ave (43 ft)
- Continue onto Olema Bolinas Rd (0.3 mi)
- Turn left onto Mesa Rd (4.6 mi)
- Turn left (312 ft)
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